Gallium nitrate Disease Interactions

The use of gallium nitrate is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (serum creatinine > 2.5 mg/dL). Elevations in serum creatinine and/or BUN have occurred in approximately 12% of patients treated for hypercalcemia of malignancy. Rare cases of acute renal failure have also been reported, although a causal relationship to the drug was not established. In patients with less severe renal impairment, therapy with gallium nitrate should be administered cautiously, since further depression of renal function may occur. Renal status should be closely monitored, and care taken to ensure adequate hydration and urinary output (2 L/day is recommended) both before and during treatment. Therapy should be discontinued if serum creatinine exceeds 2.5 mg/dL.

Gallium nitrate inhibits calcium resorption from bone and is used to treat symptomatic hypercalcemia of malignancy. Mild to moderate hypocalcemia occurred in approximately 38% of treated patients in one clinical trial. Gallium nitrate should generally not be used in patients with preexisting hypocalcemia. If hypocalcemia occurs during treatment, gallium nitrate should be stopped. Short-term calcium therapy may be necessary to reverse the condition.